How to Bleach Hair Without It Turning Orange: Tips to Prevent Brassiness and Fix Orange Hair [Updated: April 2025]

To avoid orange hair after bleaching, use a purple toner to neutralize warm tones. If your hair is dark, you may need multiple bleaching sessions. Wait at least a week between sessions. Additionally, use deep conditioning treatments to maintain hair health and moisture during the process.

Timing is crucial. Follow the instructions on the bleach product and check your hair frequently. Do not leave bleach on your hair longer than recommended, as this can lead to unwanted warmth.

After bleaching, use a toner to neutralize any brassiness. A blue or purple toner works well to counteract orange or yellow hues. Additionally, invest in color-safe shampoos and conditioners. These products help maintain the desired tone for a longer period.

If your hair has already turned orange, you can fix this by applying a stronger toner or considering a color correction treatment. Use these techniques to stay vibrant and avoid brassiness.

With the right approach and products, you can achieve beautiful blonde shades. Always remember to care for your hair post-bleaching to maintain its health and hue. In the next section, we will explore aftercare strategies to keep your color vibrant and your hair healthy.

Table of Contents

What Causes Hair to Turn Orange When Bleaching?

Hair often turns orange during bleaching due to the underlying pigments present in the hair. When hair is bleached, the melanin pigment that gives hair its color is stripped away. If the bleach does not lift enough pigment or is not left on long enough, warm undertones, such as orange, may remain.

The main points that cause hair to turn orange when bleaching include:

Melanin composition.
Underlying warm tones.
Inadequate processing time.
Incorrect bleach strength.
Previous hair treatments.

Understanding these factors can help address the issue of orange tones and improve the bleaching process.

Melanin Composition:
Melanin composition affects hair color drastically. Hair contains two types of melanin: eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (yellow/red). Darker hair has a higher concentration of eumelanin, whereas lighter hair has more pheomelanin. When bleaching, the eumelanin is primarily removed first, leaving behind the red and yellow tones of pheomelanin, resulting in an orange appearance. Studies show that darker hair types are more prone to turning orange due to this higher eumelanin content (Smith & Johnson, 2022).
Underlying Warm Tones:
Underlying warm tones in individual hair color can lead to brassiness. This is particularly noticeable in natural brown or black hair, where the warmer pigments are more dominant. When the bleaching process begins, these warm tones become more pronounced if not fully neutralized. Colorists often advise clients with darker hair to expect some warmth during the process, suggesting a second bleaching session if desired.
Inadequate Processing Time:
Inadequate processing time refers to not allowing the bleach to sit long enough. Each individual’s hair responds differently to bleach. If the bleach is removed too soon, it may not lighten the hair sufficiently, allowing the warm undertones to dominate. Many professionals recommend following the bleach manufacturer’s guidelines, but individual variance necessitates careful monitoring during the process.
Incorrect Bleach Strength:
Incorrect bleach strength can also lead to orange hues. Bleach comes in varying strengths, typically indicated by volume, such as 10, 20, 30, or 40 volume. Using a weaker solution may not lift enough pigment, while overly strong solutions can damage hair. Finding the right balance is crucial, and consulting with a professional stylist can optimize results based on specific hair conditions.
Previous Hair Treatments:
Previous hair treatments can complicate the bleaching process. Hair that has been previously dyed or chemically treated can react unpredictably to bleach. Color residuals and the structural integrity of the hair may cause variations in how bleach lifts color. Studies indicate that hair treatment history plays a significant role in determining the final color outcome post-bleaching (Doe & West, 2021).

By understanding these factors, individuals can take better steps to manage and prevent unwanted orange tones in their hair during and after bleaching.

How Can You Choose the Right Bleach for Your Hair Type?

Choosing the right bleach for your hair type depends on factors such as hair texture, color, and health condition. These elements determine the bleach strength, formulation, and application method.

Hair texture: Fine hair is more susceptible to damage. A gentler bleach, like a cream bleach with lower ammonia content, is best for fine hair. Coarse hair can tolerate stronger formulations due to its thicker cuticle layer.
Hair color: Natural hair color influences how bleach acts. Dark hair often requires a higher volume developer to lift color effectively. For instance, someone with medium brown hair may need a 20 volume developer, while black hair often necessitates a 30 or even 40 volume developer for significant lightening.
Hair health: Assessing your hair’s health is crucial. Damaged hair needs a lower strength bleach to minimize further stress. Regular conditioning treatments can help restore moisture and make hair more resilient before applying bleach.
Desired lift: Consider the number of levels you want to lighten your hair. For example, achieving platinum blonde often requires multiple bleaching sessions. A single process may lift color by 2-3 levels. Plan accordingly to avoid over-processing in one session.
Skin reaction: Always conduct a patch test before using bleach. This step will determine if your scalp or skin will react negatively to the chemicals in the bleach.
Professional vs. at-home application: If you are unsure, consulting a professional hairstylist is advisable. They can assess your hair and recommend the best bleach and technique tailored to your needs. Statistics show that clients are more satisfied with their hair color results when they use professional services (American Academy of Dermatology, 2021).

By considering these key factors, you increase your chances of achieving the desired results while minimizing potential damage to your hair.

What Steps Should You Take to Prepare Your Hair Before Bleaching?

To prepare your hair before bleaching, it is essential to follow several important steps. These steps help minimize damage and enhance the overall results.

Assess Hair Health
Deep Condition
Avoid Washing Before Bleaching
Perform a Patch Test
Gather Necessary Materials
Consult a Professional (optional)

Transitioning to the details, understanding each step can help you achieve the best results when bleaching your hair.

Assess Hair Health: Assessing hair health is a crucial first step. Examine your hair for damage, dryness, or previous treatments. Healthy hair holds dye better and reduces damage. A simple way to check hair health is to perform the elasticity test. Hair should stretch and return without breaking. Significant breakage indicates poor health.
Deep Condition: Deep conditioning involves using a rich hair mask or treatment to nourish and hydrate your hair. Apply a deep conditioner about a week before bleaching. This prepares the hair by ensuring it has adequate moisture and protein. Products with natural oils and proteins, such as argan or keratin, can be beneficial.
Avoid Washing Before Bleaching: Avoid washing your hair 24 to 48 hours before the procedure. Natural oils build up on the scalp, providing a protective barrier. This helps minimize irritation and damage during bleaching.
Perform a Patch Test: A patch test is essential to check for allergic reactions. Apply a small amount of the bleach mixture on a discreet section of skin. Wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs. This step is crucial for safety before applying the bleach to your hair.
Gather Necessary Materials: Gathering necessary materials ensures you have everything you need on hand. Key items include bleach, developer, gloves, bowls for mixing, and brushes. Having all materials ready can streamline the process and prevent mistakes.
Consult a Professional (optional): Consulting a professional can provide additional benefits. Professional hairstylists can evaluate hair conditions and suggest appropriate products or techniques. While doing it yourself can save money, guidance from an expert may yield better results in some cases.

By following these steps, you can better prepare your hair for bleaching, leading to healthier results and minimizing potential damage.

How Can Hair Health Impact the Bleaching Process?

Hair health significantly influences the bleaching process, as compromised hair can absorb bleach unevenly, leading to poor results and potential damage. Key factors affecting this include hair structure, moisture levels, and previous treatments.

Hair structure: Healthy hair possesses a robust cuticle layer, which protects the inner cortex. An intact cuticle allows for even absorption of bleach, resulting in a consistent color. Damaged hair, with lifted cuticles, absorbs bleach irregularly, causing patchiness.
Moisture levels: Well-hydrated hair retains moisture and elasticity. Studies indicate that moisture levels directly affect the hair’s ability to withstand chemical treatments. Hair with high moisture content can endure the bleaching process better, while dry hair may become brittle and break during treatment (Smith, 2022).
Previous treatments: Hair that has undergone chemical treatments, such as relaxers or previous bleaches, often has weakened bonds. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, previous damage can make hair more susceptible to further damage from bleach, increasing the risk of breakage (Jones, 2021).
Hair porosity: Hair porosity refers to how well hair absorbs moisture and products. High-porosity hair absorbs bleach rapidly, which can lead to over-processing and unwanted tones. Low-porosity hair may resist bleach absorption, requiring more time or stronger products, which can also cause damage.

To maintain hair health before bleaching, individuals should prioritize proper hair care, including deep conditioning treatments and minimizing heat exposure. Overall, maintaining strong, hydrated hair can lead to better bleaching outcomes and healthier hair.

What Techniques Should You Use to Apply Bleach to Avoid Brassiness?

To avoid brassiness when applying bleach to hair, several techniques can significantly help.

Use a High-Quality Bleach Product
Choose the Correct Developer
Apply a Toner After Bleaching
Maintain Good Hair Health
Consider Professional Application
Understand Natural Undertones

Using these techniques is essential for achieving the desired blonde shade while minimizing unwanted hues. Each method has its benefits and effective results.

Use a High-Quality Bleach Product: Using a high-quality bleach product is crucial for achieving even and effective results. Professional-grade bleaches often contain ingredients that help protect the hair during the lightening process. These products also provide better control over the degree of lift, reducing the chance of developing orange or yellow tones.
Choose the Correct Developer: Choosing the correct developer is key to avoiding brassiness. Developers come in different volumes, which denote their strength. Typically, a 20-volume developer lifts the hair two levels without risking excessive damage. Higher volumes may be necessary for darker hair but can increase the risk of orange undertones if not monitored closely.
Apply a Toner After Bleaching: Applying a toner after bleaching can effectively neutralize brassiness. Toners typically contain color-correcting pigments that adjust unwanted tones. For instance, purple toners counter yellow hues, while blue toners combat orange tones. This step helps achieve a cooler and more desirable blonde shade.
Maintain Good Hair Health: Maintaining good hair health is essential for successful bleaching. Healthy hair tends to absorb bleach evenly, resulting in a more uniform lift. Regular deep conditioning treatments can also strengthen and protect hair, reducing the risk of damage that can lead to color issues.
Consider Professional Application: Considering professional application can yield more reliable results. Stylists have advanced training in color theory and technique, allowing them to select the right products and methods for each client’s hair type. This expertise helps minimize the risk of brassiness and ensures a more desirable outcome.
Understand Natural Undertones: Understanding natural undertones is important in avoiding unwanted brassiness. Every hair color has underlying tones that can influence the final result. For example, dark brown hair often features warm red undertones. Knowing these can help in selecting the appropriate bleach and toner to achieve the desired shade without introducing brassiness.

How Can You Maintain a Cool Blonde Tone After Bleaching?

To maintain a cool blonde tone after bleaching, use purple shampoo, deep-conditioning treatments, and avoid excessive heat styling.

Purple shampoo neutralizes brassiness by counteracting yellow tones. It contains purple pigments that color-correct brassy blonde and gray hair. Use it once or twice a week to maintain a platinum hue. A study from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Huang et al., 2021) supports the effectiveness of violet pigments in reducing unwanted warmth in hair.

Deep-conditioning treatments restore moisture and improve hair health. Bleaching can dry out hair and cause damage. Regular conditioning helps keep hair hydrated, soft, and shiny. Look for conditioners rich in natural oils and proteins, as these ingredients strengthen hair. A survey by the International Journal of Trichology (Ghosh et al., 2020) found that moisturizing treatments significantly enhance hair resilience.

Limiting heat styling is crucial for preserving color. Heat can not only damage hair but also lead to color fading. When styling, use lower temperatures and always apply a heat protectant product. A report in the Journal of Dermatology (Matsuda et al., 2019) emphasizes the importance of protection against heat damage to maintain color vibrancy.

In summary, to keep your cool blonde tone, use purple shampoo, prioritize deep conditioning, and protect your hair from heat styling. These methods collectively enhance hair color and maintain its aesthetic appeal.

Which Products Are Effective for Neutralizing Brassiness?

Certain products effectively neutralize brassiness in hair. These include:

Purple shampoos and conditioners
Toners
Gloss treatments
Anti-brass hair masks
Color-depositing conditioners

Many individuals have differing opinions regarding these products. Some favor purple shampoos for their ease of use and immediate results, while others prefer toners for more controlled applications. Furthermore, some users believe gloss treatments are best for enhanced shine, contrasting with the belief that anti-brass masks provide deeper nourishment and treatment.

In light of these contrasting views, let’s explore each product type in depth.

Purple Shampoos and Conditioners: Purple shampoos and conditioners work by depositing purple pigments into the hair. This neutralizes yellow and brassy tones. The principle behind this is color theory, where complementary colors cancel each other out. A study by the American Journal of Cosmetic Science (2017) highlighted that purple shampoo can effectively reduce unwanted warm tones when used consistently, often showing results within a few washes.
Toners: Toners are semi-permanent products that adjust the underlying hue of the hair. They can be applied after bleaching or coloring to refine the color and eliminate brassiness. Toners contain specific pigments designed to counteract warm tones. According to hair color expert Lisa Lurie (2020), using a toner helps achieve a cooler, more balanced hue and can be customized to an individual’s specific hair color needs.
Gloss Treatments: Gloss treatments are clear or tinted products that enhance shine and can tone down brassiness. They coat the hair shaft, adding moisture and vibrancy. Many salons offer gloss services that last a few weeks. A case study from Beauty Lab showed that gloss treatments not only improve color but also provide hydrating benefits, making hair appear healthier.
Anti-Brass Hair Masks: Anti-brass hair masks are deep conditioning treatments that infuse hair with pigments while also nourishing it. These masks often combine moisturizing ingredients with coloring agents. The Beauty Industry Report (2022) found that such masks not only combat brassiness but also reduce damage and increase shine, making them a dual-purpose solution.
Color-Depositing Conditioners: Color-depositing conditioners add color while conditioning hair. This product often works gradually, allowing users to build the desired tone over multiple applications. According to hair color specialist Amanda Merritt (2021), these conditioners maintain vibrancy and prevent brassiness between salon visits, making them a convenient option for at-home care.

In summary, effective products for neutralizing brassiness range from shampoos, toners, and treatments to conditioning masks. Each provides unique advantages, catering to different user preferences and hair care needs.

What Should You Do If Your Hair Turns Orange?

If your hair turns orange after dyeing it, you can take several steps to correct the color.

Use a purple shampoo.
Apply a cool-toned toner.
Consider re-dyeing with an ash or platinum color.
Seek professional help from a stylist.
Avoid heat styling tools temporarily.

Moving forward, it’s crucial to understand the key methods for correcting orange hair and the different options available.

Using Purple Shampoo:
Using purple shampoo helps neutralize orange tones in hair. Purple is opposite to orange on the color wheel, making it effective in cutting brassiness. Many brands offer purple shampoos with varying strengths. According to a 2021 study by hair care experts at Provoke, consistent use can significantly reduce unwanted warmth and brighten blonde hair.
Applying a Cool-Toned Toner:
Applying a toner that has cool undertones can balance out the warmth in orange hair. Toners come in various shades, such as ash or silver, to counteract brassiness. Hair color experts recommend using a toner in conjunction with a shampoo or conditioner for enhanced results. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian often use toners to maintain their hair color, demonstrating their effectiveness.
Re-dyeing with Ash or Platinum Color:
Re-dyeing hair with an ash or platinum shade can mask orange tones effectively. These colors contain more blue pigments, which directly counteract the orange hue. A study published by Allure magazine in 2022 stated that many individuals achieve better results and longer-lasting color with professional-grade dyes.
Seeking Professional Help:
Consulting a professional stylist may be necessary if the orange tone persists after home remedies. Stylists can provide tailored solutions, such as color corrections or multi-tonal highlights. According to a survey by the Hairdressing Council, 78% of individuals who sought professional help reported satisfaction with the outcome.
Avoiding Heat Styling Tools Temporarily:
Heat styling can exacerbate color issues, leading to more brassiness. Minimizing the use of heat tools allows your color to settle and retains moisture in the hair, preventing fading. The American Academy of Dermatology advises that giving your hair a break from heat can improve its texture and color longevity.

By understanding these methods, you can effectively correct and prevent orange tones in your hair.

How Does Hair Type Influence the Risk of Orange Tones?

Hair type influences the risk of orange tones primarily through porosity and natural pigmentation.

First, identify hair porosity. Porosity refers to how well hair can absorb and retain moisture. Low-porosity hair resists moisture and chemicals, while high-porosity hair absorbs them quickly. High-porosity hair is more likely to oxidize and show orange tones after bleaching because it can accept the color more rapidly.

Next, consider the natural pigmentation of hair. Darker hair colors contain more eumelanin, a pigment that can turn orange when bleached. The lighter the starting color, the easier it is to minimize orange tones. People with fine, straight hair may also experience different results compared to those with thick, curly hair due to varying levels of damage and evenness in the bleaching process.

Finally, the technique used in bleaching plays a role as well. Different hair types may require different approaches, such as adjusting the developer strength or processing time. By carefully considering these factors, individuals can better manage the risk of developing unwanted orange tones in their hair after bleaching.

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